Liverpool's biggest transfer need can be filled in January

Liverpool is in direct contention with Manchester United for the first time since the 2016–17 season, when they fought for a top-four position, when the Premier League season was suspended, United led Liverpool by one position and four points, setting up a fight for a Champions League slot between the two most successful teams in England.

During the World Cup, the contract of Cristiano Ronaldo was ripped up at Old Trafford due to his incendiary interview, that surely left Liverpool supporters feeling conflicted, on the one hand, United would be better off without a star player making a fortune whose influence has obviously diminished and who frequently seems to prioritise his own interests over those of the group.

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On the other hand, it does leave a glaring vacancy on Erik ten Hag's team, they now have an urgent need for a new striker, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are their current possibilities in that position, but neither player fits the description of a specialist number nine and has been on fire at the club level for a time.

Rashford, meanwhile, has started to regain some of his prior form after a protracted slump. Prior to the World Cup, he scored three goals in United's previous six games, and he also scored three goals for England in Qatar. But it's probably too soon to declare that he's back to his best at this point, even if you honestly think United has the talent they require in that position.

Qatar on his full international debut

They unquestionably lack the necessary depth, Gonçalo Ramos of Benfica is another top nine who Ten Hag wants to sign, the 21-year-old, who has 14 club goals this season and scored a hat-trick in Qatar on his full international debut for Portugal, may end up having a value similar to Darwin Nunez, Hands may be tied for United. Because they are "concerned with complying with FFP (Financial Fair Play) guidelines," according to Dharmesh Sheth of Sky Sports, "there is a substantial probability they will not sign anyone" in January.